Gold coin donated to Wichita Ronald McDonald House

Much like Santa Claus does each year, an anonymous giver delivered a gold coin to a local charity before vanishing into the night on Monday.

"It's meaningful, it's fun and it's truly like Santa coming," said Susan Smythe, CEO and executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Wichita. "For me it's not just the coin; it's the sentiment, the thought and the unselfish act."

The man, who identifies himself in the accompanying note as ''Secret Santa," wrapped the 1998 American Eagle Gold Coin in a piece of paper and handed it to the house manager at the Ronald McDonald House at 520 N. Rutan around 5 p.m. The note reads in all capital letters: ''God bless us everyone.''

According to the U.S. Mint Web site, the coin is one ounce of 22-karat gold. The $50 face value is symbolic, as the true value is determined by the market price of gold. Smythe said she plans to have the coin appraised.